SST's 'A - My Name is Still Alice' fun for all
by Susan Stein

My Name is Alice, but this name could also be the common denominator for women in general, who are or can relate to the situations/conditions, in the play by that name.

This wonderful humorous, sometimes bawdy Musical Revue is presented on the stage of South Simcoe Theatre with a cast of five highly talented women.

The play has no plot, but rapidly changing scenes, which outline the situations women find themselves in every day life. How they react, how they cope is expressed with songs, with ( in my opinion) "One step forward, one step back" could be the theme song.

It is fun to listen to two mothers bragging about their children's' accomplishment and the scene referring to Amale's privates' size brings a lot of laughter from the audience.

The scene of a single woman contemplating to buy bridal shower gifts for herself could touch a cord, as would the scene at a weight loss centre.

Revealing are the scenes at a home for unmarried pregnant girls, who sing about the secret word birth control or advised to total abstinence.

For those women working in secretarial positions, sitting day in day out behind their desks and are ordered around by a boss with a huge ego, this scene would be one of the best. How to climb up the corporate ladder, how to face privatization is wonderfully expressed in song and action.

Have you ever taken out a box, in which you have stashed away memorabilia? If so, there is the perfect scene for you.

As a conclusion to the show, the beauty of the cast's performance, the beauty of their voices, that of the choreography, that of the superb staging and directing has to be the most important scene.

So let me present to you, who made A-My Name is Still Alice such fun to watch and listen to: Marlo Alcock, after her debut at Carnegie Hall with the Mendelssohn Singers, is once again enjoying to work with at the SST as she did last year in "Company".

Elaine Beauchemin has been involved with SST for nine years; Loved her role in Anne of Green Gables, The Music man and Annie. In her opinion, every show is a new challenge to learn from.

Melissa Dupuis-Elliott, was with the cast of the first My name is Alice and is overjoyed to be in the new Alice, being back on stage after having a new baby, now 14 months old.

Jill Jones was last seen in Bye Bye birdie and in Company. Beside being a terrific Alice, Jill is also the Music Director for "Alice", a job she shares with Terry Therien. Both deserve congratulations for their accomplishments.

Last but not least to receive great applause as Alice is Kathy Simpson, who also is responsible with costume design, and as Assistant director.

There is one Alice, who between scenes, has the role to entertain as a somewhat down in the dumps lady, who finds, that a Cover-up kit is a must to get along; As Juanita Craig, she is the Mexican spokesperson for weightloss centres. And an other Alice gives the Anatomy lesson, both superb comedians.

Set designer Christina Luck had the smart idea to have the stage draped in, the stage floor painted white and a white, see-through curtain between the orchestra and cast. it gives the play a certain neutrality and at the same time easy to manage the scene changes.

Members of the orchestra pianist Terry Therien, a professional pianist and singer, known as entertainer on resorts and in the lounge at Casino Rama. Ted Gilboe the versatile percussionist and Ian Thurston on Bass, carry the most important role for a successful Musical

To Director Michael Clipperton, Producer Susan Worthington, many thanks for once again bringing to SST a well rehearsed, well staged, well acted and most of all a very entertaining production.

A-My Name is Still Alice is performed every Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. until May 13. For tickets call 705-458-4432.